There’s a saying that most Christmas movies follow the same recipe, and to make one truly work you need to stick to it. Yet that claim loses force for two reasons. First, time passes, and the lists of Christmas classics hardly change from year to year, even as big catalogs from Hallmark or Netflix redraw in red and green. Second, two films that turned twenty have risen to enduring Christmas icons: Love Actually and Elf. The latter premiered in Spain twenty years ago on December 12.
Is it possible to bring two very different films together for reasons beyond their shared twenty-year milestone? Put simply, yes. At first glance they resemble eggs in a chestnut glaze. Love Actually, the debut feature from writer Richard Curtis, who later crafted Notting Hill and Bridget Jones’s Diary, follows intersecting lives and multiple stories of love and heartbreak in London during the holidays. In contrast, Jon Favreau, then an actor, told the tale of a giant elf who gets lost in New York during the festive season.
One is a sprawling romantic comedy with a dazzling ensemble: Hugh Grant, Emma Thompson, Keira Knightley, Colin Firth, and more. The other is a family comedy drawn from the visual universe of Rankin/Bass, inspired especially by Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer from 1964, with Will Ferrell as the titular elf. Even today it remains distinct and hard to classify. Yet there are common threads. Both avoid cynical irony, offering a kind of warmth that feels almost magical in contemporary cinema.
Timeless Christmas Classic
Both Curtis and Favreau seems intent on crafting pure Christmas cinema that respects the subgenre rather than fragilizing it. In the Elf section of the Movies That Made Us series, Favreau explained a goal he set when agreeing to direct a script by a relatively unknown writer: to create a timeless Christmas classic. The heart of both films rests on love, relationships, and the sense that magic can still surface in ordinary life. Classics like It’s a Wonderful Life (1946), Miracle on 34th Street (1947), Gremlins (1984), and Home Alone (1990) sit in the same bouquet, reminding audiences that holiday storytelling often thrives on optimism rather than cynicism.
It is true that Love Actually has aged in imperfect ways. Marking the twentieth anniversary of a television special in the United States that revisited the film, conversations have surfaced about problematic aspects tied to gender representation and diversity. In a documentary and in discussions at literary gatherings, Curtis reflected on these choices, acknowledging room for improvement and noting how shifting cultural norms could make some early decisions feel dated in hindsight. The sentiment is not that the film failed, but that its era’s attitudes are now seen through a more critical lens.
Contagious Energy
The truth is Love Actually, like many films of its era, carries a mix of flaws and undeniable appeal. It remains popular in part because its energy feels infectious, driven by memorable performances and standout moments that stick in the viewer’s mind. The script’s generosity and the film’s lighthearted spirit contribute to a sense of escape that today’s audiences still find refreshing. Its ability to avoid excessive cynicism helps it remain a cherished Christmas favorite, even as critical conversations evolve around it.
Elf shares that same enduring charm. If the Christmas spirit exists in cinema, it often resembles what Love Actually and Favreau’s movie convey—especially the climactic sleigh scene in Central Park where carolers celebrate in unison. Elf is not merely a nostalgia trip; it continues to gain recognition in the United States for its originality, warmth, and humor. Born from the enthusiasm of a small team, produced on a modest budget, and featuring inventive special effects that brought an entire elf world to life, it stands as a landmark in contemporary holiday cinema. The film feels bright, funny, and surprisingly touching, showcasing Will Ferrell at his peak and delivering a vivid, playful portrayal wrapped in festive color and charm. It remains a lasting, beloved Christmas classic that endures beyond its initial release, inviting new generations to discover its magic.